After five months of talk and speculation, the 2015 NFL draft is almost here. The intrigue surrounding Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles is at record levels. Have his series of bold moves this offseason all been part of a brilliant master plan to snag Oregon QB Marcus Mariota? Will all be revealed (and make sense) come Thursday night?

Matt Barkley taking the call that made him a Philadelphia Eagles. Image via PhiladelphiaEagles.com

Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles had the biggest surprise of all in Day 3 of the NFL Draft when they traded up three spots to the top of the 4th round to nab USC quarterback Matt Barkley. The move was surprising for a number of reasons, but particularly because of the questions it raises.

What does the pick mean for the overall quaterback situation for the Birds, in particular for the futures of Mike Vick and Nick Foles on the team? And what does it mean about the type of offense we may see from Kelly?

Lane Johnson has his moment on the NFL Draft state with Commissioner Roger Goodell after being the 4th overall pick. Image via the Philadelphia Eagles Instagram.

Eagles fans, the wait is over. There was no trading down—instead, when Oklahoma OT Lane Johnson was still available at number 4, the Philadelphia Eagles took him.

The 6’6, 303 lb tackle will be an integral part of the Eagles’ offensive, helping to protect Mike Vick, who at this early stage will presumably be Philadelphia’s starting quarterback for the 2013 season. Johnson is an extremely athletic player–he has played both sides of the o-line as well as played quarterback and tight end in his career. Here is an excerpt from Johnson’s scouting report, via The National Football Post:

With rare foot quickness he is able to slide out to the corner easily to stop speed rusher’s initial burst. His ability to block with base helps him to slide easily side to side to adjust to quick pass rush moves at the contact point. Although he does not punch aggressively in pass pro, he flashes the ability to get his hands on pass rusher quickly, can “get a good fit” and is able to lock-out and tie up pass rusher. Continue reading ‘With the 4th pick in the 2013 draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select….OT Lane Johnson’